PHOTO: © REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
THE BASICS
Name: Andrea DeMarco
Title: Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
Company, city: Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Miami, Florida
First job: Controller of Revenue
Where to next: Next month I’ll be with the Asia Pacific team in Sydney, Australia. I hope to fit in a family cruise at some point.
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
I admire Eva Longoria for her success on screen and in business, as well as her philanthropic work, so I would be thrilled if she agreed to play me.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I’m passionate about wellness, so I would likely work in the health and fitness sector.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
I enjoy documentaries about places I’ve yet to visit. Travel broadens your horizons and inspires me—whether on screen or in print, I can’t get enough.
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Before taking on my current role, I served as Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications and ESG for Regent’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. I’m proud of building that department from the ground up, shaping our environmental, social and governance initiatives, and representing the company to the investment community. Our work was recognized by Institutional Investor, which ranked our team No. 1 in Leisure, and I was honored to be named the top Investor Relations Officer in the Leisure sector for three consecutive years.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
Delivering an unrivaled experience for guests is at the heart of what we do. We maintain high standards from the first phone call to disembarkation. Positive feedback from guests is incredibly rewarding and makes the effort worthwhile. It still surprises me how often we exceed expectations.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
My background is in finance and revenue management, but to reach my goals I had to take risks and pursue roles outside my comfort zone. I moved into sales, marketing and public relations—fields far removed from early number-crunching. Taking those leaps of faith was essential to getting where I am today.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Frank Del Rio, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. He’s been an inspirational leader and mentor, and I’ve learned invaluable lessons from him.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare:
The pandemic in 2020 was a collective travel nightmare and especially difficult for our industry. Yet one of the most emotional moments for me was the relaunch of Seven Seas Splendor in September 2021. Seeing guests return and watching the crew’s reaction was unforgettable. Today, all five of our luxury ships are back on the water, with another arriving in November 2023—there’s a lot to be thankful for and to look forward to.
Share a comical travel experience:
I recently took my young family to Walt Disney World for a few days. The trip was full of laughter and memorable moments.
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why?
I’m biased toward cruise ships. I sailed in the 2000s and was so captivated that I changed careers to join the industry. Cruises offer exceptional value, allow you to unpack once while visiting multiple destinations, and deliver the joy of waking up in a new port each morning before returning to the comfort of the ship each evening.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels?
On a recent Regent Seven Seas sailing I asked for mango at breakfast and it was unavailable. The next morning the maître d’ brought a platter of freshly cut mango to my table and explained they had gone to the local market that morning just to find it. That gesture amazed me. Our crew consistently go above and beyond to ensure guests relax and enjoy their well-deserved vacations.